The Families Love Libraries campaign took place in June 2006. It aimed to discover what families value most about libraries and to use this evidence to promote library use to families who are not regular users. A very wide range of family members provided feedback on their experiences of using libraries including mums, dads, grandparents, older siblings, carers, aunts, uncles, childminders, children and young people.
The things families say they love most about their library include the friendly and welcoming staff; the free activities and events; access to fast computers, books, DVDs, story tapes and information; and the opportunities to meet other families in a local, trusted, community space:
“the library is fun, the staff always exceptional and no-one bats an eyelid if the children are a bit loud”
“ a great place to come, share books with your children and find out about their interests”
Families suggested that libraries would be even better if they had more family activities and available at weekends and evenings too so that working parents can join in. They would welcome family IT sessions, a place to listen to story tapes together, a family library card, and a number of practical things (toilets, baby changing, bottle warming, cafes) so that families don’t have to cut their visits short.
Based on these findings an advocacy booklet has been produced:
Why families value libraries (PDF 927KB)
David Lammy, Minister for Culture:
“This research highlights the high esteem that families hold for their local library and the popularity of the services they provide. It also demonstrates how libraries serve their communities with skill and care, and provide valuable learning opportunities”
Extending Bookstart
MLA has published an advocacy document which demonstrates how Bookstart contributes to Every Child Matters, The Shared Priorities and Local Area Agreements, Early Years Services and to the Foundation Curriculum.
Bookstart is a national programme that provides young children and their families with free packs of books plus tips and ideas for parents on how to enjoy sharing books together. It will help parents to understand the importance their contribution can make in giving their child a good start to their education and future life chances. Bookstart is co-ordinated by Booktrust, an independent national charity that encourages people of all ages to discover books and enjoy reading.
Extending Bookstart (PDF 624KB)
Under fives: Serving Families Well
The Serving Familes Well early years research published in September 2004 formed the basis for subsequent work. This is available to download below:
Serving Families Well Executive Summary (PDF 262KB)
Serving Families Well Executive Summary (Word 152KB)
Serving Families Well Full Report (PDF 518KB)
Serving Families Well Full Report (Word 916KB)
